Somerset, what can I say about Somerset Captains that hasn’t been said before (No, you can’t say that, it’s rude. Ed).
Oh well.
Visiting Bognor is always a pleasure; they know how to make us feel welcome. This time was no exception. Despite the almost ceaseless rain, the course was in excellent knick. The greens were slick and in perfect condition. Surely Nigel could get back to winning ways? Read on and find out.
Nigel Wates(Captain) and Mike Oates (Bognor Captain) v Mike Rossiter (Captain) and Rob Hirons. It was a pleasure to play against Mike and Rob. Mike and Nigel enjoyed the sunny weather while Mr Rossiter and Mr Hirons got on with the golf. Lost 1 Down.
Terry Vanhinsbergh and Ian Potter v Roy Parmiter and Maddie Casson. This was a very close match with many holes won with birdies (Gross or net). We got to two up, and then Roy and Maddie started putting brilliantly, with Roy sinking an outrageous putt on the last, not that we were bitter about it. Lost 1 Down.
Richard Jays and Paul Warley v George Davies & Glyn Sewell. Richard and Paul had a great game, and we did well until Glyn decided to take his waterproofs off!! They played some great golf, but we didn’t. Lost 4&3
Rasoul Shahilow and Nigel Powell v John Perkins and Paul Chesney. A match filled with superb banter, where we were Beauty and the Beast (Beast and Beastier, surely? Ed). We loved it and had much fun off the course. The match was tight, and went to the last hole. The greens were fast and true. Nigel and I (Rasoul) made a lovely couple. Won 1 Up.
Craig Millyard and Brain Hooker v Rob Ford and Murray Parsons. Craig was his usual brilliant self, and Brian came in when needed (Presumably when Craig needed the sweat wiped from his forehead? Ed). Rob and Murray played very well, letting us win with FIVE holes left to play. Won 6&5.
Andy Plowright and Alan Butcher v Ian Gover and Colin Davies. A very good match played in a good spirit. We enjoyed a long afternoon in the Sussex sun; it was a pleasure to watch Craig play. There was never more than one hole in it; unfortunately, the one hole was not ours. Lost 1 Down.
Mitch Clark and Phil Masner v Geoff Rooke and John Beer. Apparently, we were too gross. Sorry, it was two over gross! Phil’s chips were better than Harry Ramsden’s. Tough game, but great dovetailing and loads of fun made it all the more enjoyable. Even the rain stayed away! Won 3&2.
John Macauley and David Kemp v Mike Usher-Clarke & Kevin Blakeley. We came up against the long-hitting and very consistent “youngsters”. We held them for eleven holes, but then they turned the screws, and we lost a great game against delightful company. Lost 4&3.
So there you have it: Nigel’s search for another win continues.
Our thanks go to Bognor Golf Club for getting the course in such good condition following the recent deluge. Everyone commented on how fantastic the greens were. We’d also like to thank them for the warmth of our welcome and the tastiness of the pie.
Next up, we are away to Hampshire at Cams Hall. Will we be victorious? How many balls will land in the water? Can Phil Manser keep up his unbeaten run? How will Brian Hooker do without Craig? These questions and more will be answered in the next episode of Sussex Captains on tour.